I have finally decided that I want to have my 44.9 gallon tank as a Central American Community tank. I have been searching around and compiled a list of fish, that I believe would work well with the hard alkaline water I have. I am not sure if they would work together though, nor do I plan on cramming all of these fish in the tank.

By X-Ray I assume you mean the Pristella Tetra; this species to my knowledge does not occur in Central America.

I would strongly recommend live plants. Their benefits esp in new setups cannot be understated. Some easy plants that will do very well in hard water are Valisneria species (two are in our profiles), aqnd some of the sword plants. Floating plants are also very useful; Brazilian Pennywort is perfect floating.

I would not use salt, all livebearers occur in freshwater. Some molly species occur in brackish water but not permanently, and the effects of salt on other species and plants is not worth the risk.

A substrate of gravel, such as pea gravel, with a few rounded "boulders" (pebbles) with a chunk or two of wood would be very authentic of a CA stream. Livebearers predominate; the CA cichlids were get too large for a 44g.

The aquarist is one who must learn the ways of the biologist, the chemist, and the veterinarian.[unknown source]

Something we all need to remember: The fish you've acquired was quite happy not being owned by you, minding its own business. If you’re going to take it under your wing then you’re responsible for it. Every aspect of its life is under your control, from water quality and temperature to swimming space. [Nathan Hill in PFK]